Methuselah Flies presents a trailblazing project on the biology of aging. It describes research on the first organisms to have their lifespan increased, and their aging slowed, by hereditary manipulation. These organisms are fruit flies from the species Drosophila melanogaster, the great workhorse of genetics. Michael Rose and his colleagues have been able to double the lifespan of these insects, and improved their health in numerous respects as well. The study of these flies with postponed aging is one of the best means we have of understanding, and ultimately achieving, the postponement of aging in humans. As such, the carefully presented detail of this book will be of value to research devoted to the understanding and control of aging.Methuselah Flies: ? is a tightly edited distillation of twenty years of work by many scientists? contains the original publications regarding the longer-lived fruit flies? offers commentaries on each of the topics covered ? new, short essays that put the individual research papers in a wider context? gives full access to the original data ? captures the scientific significance of postponed aging for a wide academic audienc

"Leben ist die schonste Erfindung der Natur und der Tod ist ihr Kunstgriff, viel Leben zu haben" . J. W. v. Goethe Life is the most beautiful invention of nature, and death is her device to exhibit most life. The eminent British biologist Sir Vincent B. Wigglesworth noted in 1939 that insects are an ideal medium in which to study all problems of physiology. Many fundamental discoveries in biology, particularly genetics and development, have been made on the basis of studies conducted in insects. Because of their ex treme adaptability and diversity, an appropriate insect model is available for the study of virtually any biological problems. The applicability to other groups, including mammals, of basic studies conducted on insects has helped in the gradual acceptance of the fundamental unity of biochemical principles as a dogma among biologists, as well as among enlightened medical scientists. With the recent upsurge of interest in the study of the aging process, in sects have been increasingly employed not only for the investigation of basic mechanisms of aging, but also to gain insight into the evolution of aging and senescence. If only one aging mechanism exists, it is foreseeable that some in sects, especially Drosophila, will help to unravel its molecular basis. Because of their diversity, existing studies in the gerontology of insects are widely scat tered in various specialized journals. This wealth of existing information has not, as yet, been brought together in a synthesized and comprehensive form.

Assessments, Treatments and Modeling in Aging and Neurological Disease: The Neuroscience of Aging is a comprehensive reference on the diagnosis and management of neurological aging and associated disorders. This book discusses the mechanisms underlying neurological aging and provides readers with a detailed introduction to the aging of neural connections and complexities in biological circuitries, as well as the interactions between genetics, epigenetics and other micro-environmental processes. It also examines pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions of age-related conditions that affect the brain including Alzheimer's, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. Factors Affecting Neurological Aging: Genetics, Neurology, Behavior, and Diet is a comprehensive reference on the genetic and behavioral features associated with neurological aging and associated disorders. This book discusses the mechanisms underlying neurological aging and provides readers with a detailed introduction to the aging of neural connections and complexities in biological circuitries, as well as the physiological, behavioral, molecular, and cellular features of neurological aging. It also examines the use of animal modelling of aging and neurological disease. Assessments, Treatments and Modeling in Aging and Neurological Disease: The Neuroscience of Aging: Provides the most comprehensive coverage of the broad range of topics related to the neuroscience of aging Features sections on diagnosis and biomarkers of neurological aging, Alzheimer's, and stroke Contains in each chapter an abstract, key facts, mini dictionary of terms, and summary points to aid in understanding Focuses on neurological diseases and conditions linked to aging, environmental factors, and clinical recommendations Includes more than 500 illustrations and tables Factors Affecting Neurological Aging: Genetics, Neurology, Behavior, and Diet: Provides the most comprehensive coverage of the broad range of topics related to the neuroscience of aging Features sections on the genetics influencing aging and diseases of aging Contains in each chapter an abstract, key facts, mini dictionary of terms, and summary points to aid in understanding Focuses on neurological diseases and conditions linked to aging, environmental factors, and clinical recommendations Includes more than 500 illustrations and tables

​This book looks at aging through research on Drosophila, the fruit fly that is one of the most widely used model organisms in bio gerontology. Work in model organisms can expand the theoretical knowledge of aging: it yields valuable insight into the molecular and cellular processes that underlie aging process, and it can perhaps provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of age-related disorders in humans. Drosophila models have been developed for a large variety of aging-related processes and diseases, and this book provides readers with an overview of current research on the use of the Drosophila model to understand the genetic, molecular and physiological mechanisms that underlie the aging process. Themes of health span, life extension and longevity-associated genes emerge in this collation of international research on Drosophila that is of relevance to geriatrics and gerontology, animal genetics and genomics, and biomedicine. This fascinating, illustrated book will be of interest to a wide audience, ranging from academic researchers to the general reader.

This book investigates the various processes that are affected by the age of an organism. Several new tools for the analysis of biological aging have been introduced recently, and this volume provides methods and protocols for these new techniques in addition to its coverage of established procedures. Researchers seeking new technology and techniques will find this volume of tremendous benefit as they move towards new directions.

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of research on the essential relationship of the coenzyme Q10 and the process of aging in living organisms. CoQ10 is an important factor in two main aspects of cell physiology: bioenergetics and antioxidant protection. While primary deficiency of CoQ10 is associated with severe and lethal disease, secondary deficiency can be associated with the progression of mitochondrial dysfunction linked to the lessening of biological activities during aging. The book is organized in four sections. The first offers an overview of the function of CoQ10, highlighting the two main functions of CoQ10 in cells: its essential role as electron transport chain member in mitochondria, and the protection of cell membranes against oxidation as one of the main endogenous-synthesized antioxidants. The second section covers research on Coenzyme 10. Topics include studies involving invertebrate models, mammal studies and the influence of CoQ on longevity. Also covered is research involving the role of CoQ in senescence-accelerated mice. Section three examines the effects of reduced CoQ in human aging, as evident in mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative disorders, immunosenescence and fertility and reproduction. The final section, Prolongevity effectors and Coenzyme Q, explores research into slowing or stopping the aging process. Coverage includes strategies including calorie restriction, and modulation of CoQ10 levels by induction of synthesis or by supplementation. Coenzyme Q in Aging benefits a broad readership of researchers, clinicians, educators and students interested in the biochemical and physiological effects of coenzyme Q and the importance of this molecule in aging process.